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Mastitis Diagnostic & Bulk Milk Quality

Classic cultural techniques employed by the National Mastitis Council are performed to enumerate and characterize mastitis causing organisms and assess bulk milk quality.

Test Parameters:

  • Ruminant Quarter/Half Culture
  • Bulk tank culture
  • Somatic cell (leukocyte) count

Please note:

  • Culture samples must be received at the lab by 2pm on Wednesdays. Samples received later than 2pm on Wednesday will be frozen and tested the following week

  • Somatic Cell Count samples must be received by by 4pm on Wednesdays.

Mastitis Culture

Ruminant Quarter/Half Sampling & Submission:

Note: Composite samples are not recommended.                                                        

                                                                         

  • Using permanent marker, label sterile tubes/vials (Animal ID and quarter - e.g. Bessie RF)  
  • Prelabel tubes for all animals to be sampled
  • Do thorough udder preparation
  • Dry Udder with paper towels or individual clean cloths
  • Wash hands
  • Scrub each teat end with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol (for each teat use a fresh cotton ball)
  • Dry teat end with dry cotton ball (for each teat use a fresh cotton ball)
  • Discard first squirt of milk
  • Deposit 2nd squirt of milk in sample tube (do not touch inside of cap or sample tube)
  • Tightly recap tube before sampling next quarter, place tube in a clean place
  • Place all tubes/vials in a rack or styrofoam floater for transport, keep cold
  • Freeze samples, if it is not possible to deliver them to the lab the day of sampling
  • Samples should be accompanied by completed submission forms (below), please include your email address and phone number
  • Results will be distributed via email                               

SUBMISSION FORM - Mastitis Quarter Culture

Bulk Tank Culture

Bulk Tank Sampling & Submission:

  • Using permanent marker, label sterile vials
  • Aseptically sample bulk tank, if possible have a licensed sampler take the sample
  • Place vials in styrofoam floater for transport, keep cold
  • Freeze samples, if it is not possible to deliver them to the lab the day of sampling
  • Samples should be accompanied by completed submission forms (below), please include your email address and phone number
  • Results will be distributed via email

SUBMISSION FORM - Bulk Tank Culture

 

Questions? Contact: Sam Beck 802-522-3303 sam.beck@vermont.gov